Discover how Bruckelmyer Brothers has elevated its approach to client care through cutting-edge technology
Rooted in strong Midwestern values, Bruckelmyer Brothers (Bruckelmyer) stands out as the local leader in the premier home construction and remodeling industry in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The company’s reputation is reflected in every custom build, remodel, renovation, and woodworking project it undertakes. Committed to client success, Bruckelmyer strives to deliver timely, effective solutions of unparalleled quality for every family it serves. Robert Bruckelmyer, Owner, provides an overview of the company.
“Ed and Dennis Bruckelmyer, my two older brothers, founded the business in 1988. I began working for the company at the age of 16 and continued until now, although I did take a few years off to explore my own path before coming back. From the beginning, we have prioritized the client experience in the construction industry, and we still uphold that commitment. Over the years, our focus has always been on enhancing both the client experience and our employees’ satisfaction, resulting in a remarkably low turnover, which is a significant advantage for us,” he opens.
Comprehensive construction services
Creating a positively memorable client experience is central to Bruckelmyer’s home building approach, which Robert tells us more about. “The first phase of our process, which we call the discovery phase, involves a three-to-four-week process bringing the client’s vision and budget together for the project. Once we understand their needs, we move on to the design-build phase. For many years following completion of the project, we remain actively involved in maintaining the property. I think what makes our company unique is our five divisions: new construction, where we build high end custom homes; design, where we have been fortunate to design amazing homes; repairs and remodels, covering everything from extensive remodels to simple window repairs; maintenance membership program, where we take care of preventive maintenance; and our custom cabinet shop, where we craft the cabinetry millwork and timbers that go into our homes and remodels.
“To elevate the customer experience, our design team utilizes advanced technology, such as virtual reality (VR) 3D walkthroughs, which allow clients to visualize their home before it is built. Moreover, we offer a subscription-based maintenance program, where we oversee their homes for years. As part of that, we have a remote monitoring system that tracks all the utilities in the home. Therefore, if a failure occurs, it alerts us or our technicians, and we can respond quickly while keeping an eye on our clients’ homes. From the initial design to the moment clients move into their completed homes, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support,” he adds.
In addition to implementing technology to optimize its construction processes, Bruckelmyer is dedicated to enhancing communication with customers through
construction project management software, Buildertrend. “Six years ago, we subscribed to Buildertrend, and it completely transformed the process for taking care of our clients. The platform features a client portal that allows customers to log in and access daily logs, where our supervisor will add a few pictures and a description of what was achieved on-site on that day. Once it is submitted, the client and our administrative team in the office get access to this summary, ensuring that everybody is on the same page regarding project progress. This technology has significantly improved the client experience.
“For instance, we built a beautiful home on the shores of Lake Superior for clients from Iowa. During the final walkthrough, they told us that it felt like they had been there every day, thanks to the daily pictures and updates they received throughout the construction process. Alongside the daily logs, they particularly appreciated Buildertrend’s features for managing selections. In a custom home, there are hundreds of possible choices, and we present these in their client portal with images and pricing, allowing them to make selections from anywhere. We do not proceed with any installations of selections until they are approved through the portal, which eliminates the risk of introducing elements that clients were not aware of,” Robert emphasizes.
Showcasing standout properties
In an ambitious move, Bruckelmyer set out to launch its very own version of the famed Parade of Homes. Robert sheds light on the motivations behind this decision and how the company’s Elegant Home Tour has been received thus far. “We have participated in our local Parade of Homes every year, and it was always a highly anticipated event where people came to see our homes. However, when the pandemic began, the Parade of Homes was discontinued and has not returned since. This prompted us to introduce our own event, the Elegant Home Tour, which has been very successful as our community is thrilled to have the opportunity to see our work again. At the end of May, we featured three homes in the Elegant Home Tour. One was a modern design located on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, while another was a modified A-frame home situated on the shores of Lake Superior. We also presented a home on a private lake, where the clients completed the entire discovery and design-build process and are now enjoying the maintenance phase of their home,” he ends.
Through its emphasis on clear communication and exceptional client experience, Bruckelmyer has solidified its reputation as the premier home builder in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.